Southport families united in grief over three lost angels.

Devastated families have paid tribute to three girls killed in a “ferocious” knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN, TARA COBHAM

Police named the victims as Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were pronounced dead shortly after Monday’s rampage, while Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died from her injuries in hospital yesterday. Five more children are fighting for their lives following the tragedy, along with two dance class teachers who bravely tried to defend their pupils from the attack.

In a heartbreaking statement, Bebe King’s family said: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.” Bebe was described as a “joyful girl, whose kindness radiated through the entire Churchtown community” by the headteacher of her former school.

Jinnie Payne, of Churchtown Primary School, also described pupil Alice as the “happiest of souls, a true ray of sunshine” as he spoke of the school’s grief following the news.

Paying tribute, Alice’s devastated family said: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

The tributes come as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Southport, telling onlookers he wanted to pay his respects to family members who are suffering “raw pain and grief” he cannot imagine. He also paid tribute to first responders, adding: “They were absolutely professional. And it was important for me to come and say simple words – thank you.”

In a message with a wreath laid at the scene, he wrote: “To the victims, families and people of Southport, our hearts are broken, there are no words for such profound loss. The nation’s thoughts are with you.”